Item 12 - Approval of Historic Property Preservation Agreements

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HRCA No. 2020-09, HRC 2020-08, HPPA No. 2020-11 - The Hamilton-Schoppert House March 25, 2021 Page 4 overhanging, open eaves; brick chimney, wood porch supports with triangular braces to each side; and divided -light metal windows. The Hamilton-Schoppert House qualifies for listing in the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties under Criterion No. 1 for embodiment of the distinguishing characteristics of the Minimal Traditional style, dating from the second period of development on North Victoria Lane. Additionally, the house has been categorized as "Contributive" because it "contributes to the overall character and history" of Santa Ana, and, as an early and intact example of the Minimal Traditional style in the Floral Park neighborhood, "is a good example of period architecture." Mills Act Agreement Ordinance No. NS-2382 authorized the Historic Resources Commission to execute Historic Property Preservation Agreements (HPPA), commonly known as Mills Act agreements for eligible properties (Exhibit 2). To be eligible for the Mills Act, the property must be listed on the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties. The Historic Resources Commission Application and Historic Register Categorization actions proposed for this site authorize the listing of the property on the local register. The agreement provides monetary incentives to the property owner in the form of a property tax reduction in exchange for the owner's voluntary commitment to maintain the property in a good state of repair as necessary to maintain its character and appearance. Once recorded, the agreement generates a different valuation method in determining the property's assessed value, resulting in tax savings for the owner. Aside from the tax savings, the benefits include: • Long term preservation of the property and visual improvement to the neighborhood • Allows for a mechanism to provide for property rehabilitation • Provides additional incentive for potential buyers to purchase historic structures • Discourages inappropriate alterations to the property The property has no identified unauthorized modifications. Upon consideration of the application, it is recommended that the City enter into a Historic Property Preservation Agreement. Public Notification This public hearing item was originally scheduled for the October 29, 2020, HRC meeting. At that time, the president of the Floral Park Neighborhood Association was notified by mail 10 days prior to this public hearing. In addition, the project site was posted with a notice advertising this public hearing, a notice was published in the Orange County Reporter and mailed notices were sent to all property owners within 500 feet of the project site. At the October 29, 2020, HRC meeting the HRC continued the